Here in Northern New Jersey, you’ve probably seen ants crawling around at pretty much all times of day and most times of the year as well. But for ant control purposes and to prevent ant infestations, you may have wondered when ants are out and about the most with regard to times of day and seasons of the year.
In this article, we answer common ant questions, such as “Are ants nocturnal?” and “When are ants most active?” so that you can feel confident in your pest control solutions.
Are Ants Nocturnal?
There is no simple answer to this question because some types of ants are more active during the day, some at night, and some at both day and night. When ants are most active largely depends upon the climate they live in, how readily available food sources are, and where their nests are located. Ants that live in cold climates are more likely during the day because it is warmer and more comfortable then. In hot climates, ants tend to come out more at night when the temperatures aren’t so scorching hot.
Certain species of ants are also more prone to night activity vs. day activity. Carpenter ants, which are common in New Jersey, are a nocturnal ant species that typically leave their nests while humans are sleeping to go gather food. Yet many other ants that we have in our area are considered to be diurnal and are frequently seen throughout the day collecting food and defending themselves from predators.
Places Where Ants Are Especially Active
The place where you live and where you look may also impact your perception of ant activity on your property. Ants build nests both indoors and outdoors, and they are very skilled at finding entry points to access food and shelter. Common places for outdoor ant activity are piles of firewood, dirt mounds in yards, underneath yard debris, and around utility boxes.
Something else to be aware of is that ants have circadian rhythms just like humans do. But unlike humans, ants’ sleep patterns are not typically regulated by how much daylight they are exposed to each day. It is very likely that ants do not see any light for days because they are living underground in their tunnels. This is where ants spend most of their time, so they are quite comfortable with dark environments – whether that is the hours between sunset and sunrise or in those dark cracks and crevices in the corners of your home.
Times of Year for Increased Activity
In general, ants are most commonly seen during the summer months in New Jersey. During our long and cold winters, many ants will go into somewhat of a “hibernation mode” to conserve energy and resources. During the winter, ants are not actually sleeping all day. But they slow down their activity levels and are less likely to be seen by humans.
Take Control Over Your Ant Situation
No matter what time of day it is or what season it is, Precise Termite & Pest Control can help with your ant problem. Ant control and removal in Bergen County is one of our top specialties and something that we help so many residents with each and every year.
We know all the best strategies for getting rid of ants and know the best times to target them for safe, efficient, and humane removal. To learn more about how we can help with your ant infestation and to schedule your free inspection, contact us at 866-971-2847.